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TRAIT: ‘A trait is a particular characteristic, quality, or tendency that someone or something has’
source – www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/trait
ACTION: ‘Action is doing something for a particular purpose / An action is something that you do on a particular occasion’
source – www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/action
Introduction
Although similar, in this blog I am looking at the traits and actions that someone with Autism may present, and because of this they will often overlap.
Traits
It’s important to remember that autism is a spectrum disorder, and individuals with autism can have diverse traits and experiences. Not all traits will be present in every person with autism, and some individuals may exhibit traits to varying degrees.
However, here is a list of some common traits that may be observed in some individuals with autism:
- Difficulty with social communication:
Individuals with autism may have challenges in understanding and using nonverbal cues, gestures, facial expressions, and tone of voice. They may struggle with starting or maintaining conversations. - Repetitive behaviours:
Engaging in repetitive movements or actions, such as hand-flapping, rocking back and forth, or repeating certain phrases or words. - Fixated interests:
Developing intense, specific interests in certain topics, objects, or activities and becoming deeply knowledgeable about them. - Resistance to change:
Difficulty coping with changes in routines or environments, often preferring predictability and consistency. - Sensory sensitivities:
Heightened sensitivity or aversion to certain sensory inputs, such as bright lights, loud noises, textures, or strong smells. - Challenges in social interaction:
Difficulty understanding social norms, cues, and expectations, which may result in social awkwardness or perceived social distance. - Difficulty with abstract thinking:
Struggling to comprehend abstract concepts, metaphors, or humour. - Specialised skills or talents:
Some individuals with autism may demonstrate exceptional skills or talents in specific areas, such as mathematics, music, art, or memorisation. - Difficulty with executive function:
Challenges with planning, organising, initiating tasks, and managing time. - Communication differences:
Some individuals with autism may have delayed speech development or may prefer using alternative forms of communication, such as sign language or visual aids. - Sensory-seeking behaviours:
Seeking intense sensory experiences, such as seeking out certain textures, sounds, or visual stimuli. - Difficulty understanding others’ perspectives:
Struggling to comprehend or empathise with the emotions or viewpoints of others. - Reduced eye contact:
Many individuals with autism may have difficulty making and maintaining eye contact during conversations.
Actions
As with traits, actions associated with autism can vary widely from person to person. It’s essential to remember that the following list is not exhaustive, and not all individuals with autism will exhibit all of these actions.
Additionally, some actions may be common among individuals without autism as well.
Here are some actions that may be observed in some individuals with autism:
- Repetitive movements:
Engaging in repetitive actions such as hand-flapping, body rocking, finger flicking, or spinning objects. - Echolalia:
Repeating words, phrases, or parts of sentences that they hear, either immediately or after some time has passed. - Focused attention on specific interests:
Becoming deeply engrossed in certain topics, objects, or activities, often to the exclusion of other things. - Difficulty with eye contact:
Avoiding or having limited eye contact during conversations or interactions. - Unusual vocalisations:
Making noises, sounds, or vocal stimming, such as humming or making repetitive sounds. - Ritualistic behaviours:
Following specific routines or rituals and getting upset when these routines are disrupted. - Hand or body movements in response to sensory stimuli:
Reacting to sensory inputs (e.g., hand flapping) as a way to cope with overwhelming sensory experiences. - Difficulty with transitions:
Finding it challenging to shift from one activity to another, especially without prior warning or preparation. - Difficulty in understanding and expressing emotions:
Struggling to identify and communicate their emotions or understand the emotions of others. - Sensory-seeking behaviours:
Seeking out certain sensory experiences, such as rubbing objects with specific textures or seeking deep pressure. - Avoidance of certain textures or sensory inputs:
Demonstrating aversion or discomfort with specific textures, sounds, smells, or tastes. - Pre-occupation with parts of objects:
Focusing on the parts of toys or objects rather than using them for their intended purpose. - Self-stimulatory behaviours:
Engaging in self-stimulatory actions, commonly known as stimming, which can include repetitive movements, sounds, or actions that provide sensory feedback. - Difficulty with joint attention:
Finding it challenging to share attention with others on the same object or activity. - Impulsivity or compulsive behaviours:
Engaging in actions impulsively or feeling compelled to perform specific routines or actions. - Difficulty with social cues:
Misinterpreting or not recognising social cues and nonverbal communication from others.
Conclusion
It’s important to recognise that each person with autism is unique, and these traits and actions can manifest differently in different individuals.
It’s essential to approach each person with autism with patience, understanding, and acceptance, recognising their individual strengths and challenges.
Early intervention, support, and understanding from the community can greatly improve the quality of life for individuals with autism.
And Finally…
If you have any comments on any part of this, advice / suggestions or questions that I may be able to assist you with, please feel free to contact me at pete@weareneurodiverse.com or add a comment below and I will get back to you as soon as I can 
Thank you & take care,
Pete
